Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates after making a sack on third down during the first quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates after making a sack on third down during the first quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 2 of 82

Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) after his sack brought up a fourth down during the first quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) after his sack brought up a fourth down during the first quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen ... more

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) runs the ball against Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Davon House (31), but was called back due to a foul during the third quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) runs the ball against Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Davon House (31), but was called back due to a foul during the third quarter of an NFL football game at NRG ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 5 of 82

Image 6 of 82

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) on third down during the first quarter of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) on third down during the first quarter of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( ... more

Photo: Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle

Image 7 of 82

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5), knocking the ball out of his hands for a fumble and a turnover during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5), knocking the ball out of his hands for a fumble and a turnover during the fourth quarter of an NFL football ... more

Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) reaches out to catch a fumble forced by J.J. Watt (99) as he sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) during the fourth quarter of an NFL ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 9 of 82

Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) catches a fumble caused by a sack from defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the second half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) catches a fumble caused by a sack from defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the second half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in ... more

Photo: Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle

Image 10 of 82

Image 11 of 82

Houston Texans strong safety Andre Hal (29) hauls in an interception during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans strong safety Andre Hal (29) hauls in an interception during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 12 of 82

Fans celebrate with Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) after he ran an interception back for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle ) less

Fans celebrate with Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) after he ran an interception back for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( ... more

Photo: Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle

Image 13 of 82

Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) dives into the end zone past Jacksonville Jaguars strong safety Johnathan Cyprien (37) for a 12-yard touchdown reception during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) dives into the end zone past Jacksonville Jaguars strong safety Johnathan Cyprien (37) for a 12-yard touchdown reception during the second quarter of an NFL ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 14 of 82

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates as he runs off the field following the Texans 30-6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars to win the AFC South title at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates as he runs off the field following the Texans 30-6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars to win the AFC South title at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 15 of 82

Image 16 of 82

Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) breaks up a pass intended for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) breaks up a pass intended for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 17 of 82

A Houston Texans fan holds a JJ Watt bug head during the third quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle )

A Houston Texans fan holds a JJ Watt bug head during the third quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 18 of 82

Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) runs past Jacksonville Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny (51) for a 3-yard touchdown run during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) runs past Jacksonville Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny (51) for a 3-yard touchdown run during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium ... more

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) hugs DeAndre Hopkins (10) after the Texans beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 30-6 after an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 20 of 82

Image 21 of 82

Houston Texans kicker Nick Novak (8) celebrates his 51-yard field goal during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans kicker Nick Novak (8) celebrates his 51-yard field goal during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 22 of 82

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) is brought down by a slew of Houston Texans during the first quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) is brought down by a slew of Houston Texans during the first quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen ... more

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) gains yardage against Jacksonville Jaguars inside linebacker Hayes Pullard (52) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 25 of 82

Image 26 of 82

Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer's pass gets knocked back during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer's pass gets knocked back during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 27 of 82

Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) reacts with defensive end J.J. Watt (99) after Mercilus' sack brought up a fourth down during the first quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) reacts with defensive end J.J. Watt (99) after Mercilus' sack brought up a fourth down during the first quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 28 of 82

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) comes up with a fumble recovery against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) comes up with a fumble recovery against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 29 of 82

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) reacts after sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) reacts after sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 30 of 82

Image 31 of 82

Houston Texans kicker Nick Novak (8) celebrates his 51-yard field goal with Texans center Ben Jones (60) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans kicker Nick Novak (8) celebrates his 51-yard field goal with Texans center Ben Jones (60) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 32 of 82

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) runs the ball through the Jacksonville Jaguars defense during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) runs the ball through the Jacksonville Jaguars defense during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 33 of 82

Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) signals after making a first down reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) signals after making a first down reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 34 of 82

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) leaps over the line against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) leaps over the line against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 35 of 82

Image 36 of 82

A Houston Texans fan cheers during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

A Houston Texans fan cheers during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 42 of 82

Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) celebrates his 3-yard touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) celebrates his 3-yard touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 43 of 82

Houston Texans fans cheer during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans fans cheer during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crenel, left, and owner Bob McNair celebrate the Texans 30-6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars to win the AFC South title at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in ... more

Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith, left, and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) embrace following the Texans 30-6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars to win the AFC South title at NRG Stadium on ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 48 of 82

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) runs past the Jacksonville Jaguars defense during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) runs past the Jacksonville Jaguars defense during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 49 of 82

Houston Texans kicker Nick Novak (8) jumps into center Ben Jones' arms to celebrate Novak's 51-yard field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans kicker Nick Novak (8) jumps into center Ben Jones' arms to celebrate Novak's 51-yard field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium ... more

Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) reacts as tackle Duane Brown (76) is surrounded by teammates after an injury during the first half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) reacts as tackle Duane Brown (76) is surrounded by teammates after an injury during the first half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in ... more

Photo: Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle

Image 53 of 82

Houston Texans tackle Duane Brown (76) reacts as he is taken off the field on a cart during the first half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans tackle Duane Brown (76) reacts as he is taken off the field on a cart during the first half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle

Image 54 of 82

Houston Texans tackle Duane Brown (76) waves to the fans as he is carted off the field after suffering an injury during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans tackle Duane Brown (76) waves to the fans as he is carted off the field after suffering an injury during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 55 of 82

Image 56 of 82

Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) makes a reception against Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Davon House (31) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) makes a reception against Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Davon House (31) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, ... more

Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) reacts after an interception by strong safety Andre Hal (29) during the first half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( ... more

Photo: Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle

Image 58 of 82

Houston Texans nose tackle Vince Wilfork (75) and head coach Bill O'Brien embrace as the clock runs out in the fourth quarter of the Texans 30-6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars to win the AFC South title at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans nose tackle Vince Wilfork (75) and head coach Bill O'Brien embrace as the clock runs out in the fourth quarter of the Texans 30-6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars to win the AFC South title at ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 59 of 82

Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) looks to make a pass during the first quarter of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) looks to make a pass during the first quarter of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle

Image 60 of 82

Image 61 of 82

Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) is pressured by Jacksonville Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny (51) as he drops back to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) is pressured by Jacksonville Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny (51) as he drops back to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 62 of 82

Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) makes a move to the sideline to avoid a tackle by Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Davon House (31) during the first half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) makes a move to the sideline to avoid a tackle by Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Davon House (31) during the first half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, ... more

Photo: Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle

Image 63 of 82

Trainers attend to Houston Texans wide receiver Nate Washington (85) after he was injured during the first half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle ) less

Trainers attend to Houston Texans wide receiver Nate Washington (85) after he was injured during the first half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 64 of 82

Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) celebrates with teammates after running an interception back for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) celebrates with teammates after running an interception back for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 65 of 82

Image 66 of 82

Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) celebrates with teammates after running an interception back for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) celebrates with teammates after running an interception back for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 67 of 82

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) smiles on the sideline during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) smiles on the sideline during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 68 of 82

Jacksonville Jaguars defenders move in to tackle Houston Texans guard Xavier Su'a-Filo (71) after he caught a tipped pass during the first half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle ) less

Jacksonville Jaguars defenders move in to tackle Houston Texans guard Xavier Su'a-Filo (71) after he caught a tipped pass during the first half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( ... more

Houston Texans owner Bob McNair and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel celebrate after they clenched the AFC South with a 30-6 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 70 of 82

Image 71 of 82

Houston Texans tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz (87) catches a pass for a first down during the second half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz (87) catches a pass for a first down during the second half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle )

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Peyton Thompson (25) and defensive end Jared Odrick (75) sack Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) on third down during the first quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Peyton Thompson (25) and defensive end Jared Odrick (75) sack Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) on third down during the first quarter of an NFL football game at ... more

Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 77 of 82

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates after making a sack on third down during the first quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates after making a sack on third down during the first quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 78 of 82

Texans fans cheer as players run onto the field before the start of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle )

Texans fans cheer as players run onto the field before the start of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle )

Fans walk off the field before the start of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle )

Fans walk off the field before the start of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 82 of 82

What we learned from the Texans' dominant victory over the Jaguars

1 / 82

Back to Gallery

This isn’t progress. Yet. The Texans advanced to the playoffs for the first time in the past three seasons, but the record, 9-7, was the same as last season. Let’s be honest. Indianapolis would have won the AFC South again if Andrew Luck hadn’t been injured. But if the Texans win a playoff game next weekend, then we’ll reconsider. That would be progress.

J.J. Watt should become the second player to win defensive player of the year honors for the third time, joining Lawrence Taylor. Watt had eight tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble and a deflected pass against Jacksonville on Sunday at NRG Stadium. He finished the regular season with 16.5 sacks. Imagine what he could have done if he hadn’t played the two games before Sunday’s with a cast on his broken hand.

For those wondering earlier in the season, “Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou?”, he responded after the 2-5 start. The Texans’ 7-2 finish was largely due to defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel’s adjustments. The defense has seldom been better than in the division clinching victory over the Jaguars, with eight sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. The Texans also prevented the Jaguars from converting third downs into first downs on 11 of 12 tries.

It’s time to give offensive coordinator George Godsey some credit, too. With four quarterbacks, without running back Arian Foster, with a patchwork offensive line that was further hampered Sunday by the loss of left tackle Duane Brown to a right knee injury, Godsey, with no doubt some help from head coach Bill O’Brien, used his creativity to somehow produce enough points for the Texans to go from dysfunctional to functioning on offense.

Brian Hoyer was the right choice. It was a toss-up until Sunday whether the Texans made the right move in letting Ryan Fitzpatrick go and replacing him with Hoyer. But Hoyer, needing a victory, got one for the Texans. Fitzpatrick, needing a victory, couldn’t get one Sunday for the Jets. Case closed. (Not a reference to Keenum, which is another story.)